What flukey plays are you referring to? They didn't make it because of their horrible secondary and they stink in big games.

Well, they took a 13 point lead into the fourth quarter against Detroit and lost 34-30 after two interceptions were returned for touchdowns, the Jets managed to squeak that one out after the long FG by Folk, the Patriots looked terrible and rallied at the end, Dan Bailey missed the second attempt after that timeout by Jason Garrett nullified the first kick (which sent the game into overtime), and Pierre-Paul blocked that other field goal. That's five games decided by unlikely circumstances.

Chicago Bears - I do think the passing game will be better but the offensive line is still shaky and the defense is getting pretty old. Peppers also has never been the most consistent player, so can we expect a similar season?

Philadelphia Eagles - I say this even though I think they can win their division, but Vick is injury prone and streaky, the offensive line may struggle and they still have to show they can play as a team.

Denver Broncos - I think they are the third best team in the AFC West. The defense played well in a stretch last year but wasn't consistent. Will Manning be anything like his old self? I don't think the running game will be great and Bey-Bey is still inconsistent. Manning came from a precision offense with guys he could trust. I don't see that in Denver.

Underrated:

Dallas Cowboys - I can't believe I am saying the Cowboys are underrated, but realistically they live and die by Tony Romo this year. The offensive line should be better with Tyron Smith at LT and the skill position players are there on offense. I love what they have done to their secondary this year and they have a solid front 7 led by Demarcus Ware.

Pittsburgh Steelers - A lot of the talk is whether the Ravens can battle through without Suggs and the improving Bengals. However offensively in particular the Steelers could be dominant. Their offensive line can now be considered a strength and they have as good a WR corps as there is in the AFC. Defensively they are always good too.

Tennessee Titans - The Titans were in the playoff hunt last year while starting Matt Hasselbeck at QB and losing their best WR. They also added a big play threat in Kendall Wright who should open things up underneath. Chris Johnson also should have a better year. They could definitely be in the wild card mix.

As skeptical as I was about his hiring, Mike Munchak has done an awesome job with the Titans. I really love the way they've gone about their business since he took over as HC. With Manning out of the division, I think they're a real playoff threat this year and I that offense looks like it could be flat out nasty for a decade if Locker turns out to be a stud. Locker, CJ2K, Britt, Wright and Cook is a disgustingly awesome assembly of skill players.

__________________

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Goosemahn

The APS is strong in this one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by killxswitch

Tears for Fears is better than whatever it is you happen to be thinking about right now.

Overrated: Packer
Packers, they are still a good team and a playoff team(that has a SB shot if they get hot) but not a lock for the division or deep playoff run. Defense should improve but relying on rookies in Perry and Worthy is still very risky, Collins is perma gone so safeties are questions after last year though Burnett has talent and maybe just needs more experience, pass rush still a question even with the rookies plus the great Matthews and Raji, Shields and Hawk need to pick up their games big time after last years bad performances, Tramon still has nerve damage, and the turnovers forced can dry up in some games(as seen in divisional game and Chief game).

Rodgers will have a good year (2009/2010 esque) but not 2011 ridiculousness. I also think they will be facing much more difficult defenses in Houston, San Fran, healthy Lions D twice, Giants(with Osi/JPP/Tuck) and even the Bears will be improved plus a possible shootout with Saints depending on Brees and Seattle secondary in Seattle is a challenge for Green Bay. Packers played 4 games against teams missing their top pass rusher last year and 4 different games against teams without their top corner. Everyone needs to bring their A game this time around against Green Bay because Falcons without Abraham, Giants D in regular season, injured Lions secondary twice, Saints without Will Smith, Chargers without Phillips and Cason and Bears twice(once no Cutler/Forte) did not last year. And those were the biggest challengers to Green Bay and everyone came up with duds.

Underrated: Falcons

Whenever you sleep on them that is when they beat you. Ryan with White,Gonzalez and Jones can be deadly plus Turner pounding it. Defense they have the secondary but rely on Abraham. If he has a big year, look out.

Well, they took a 13 point lead into the fourth quarter against Detroit and lost 34-30 after two interceptions were returned for touchdowns, the Jets managed to squeak that one out after the long FG by Folk, the Patriots looked terrible and rallied at the end, Dan Bailey missed the second attempt after that timeout by Jason Garrett nullified the first kick (which sent the game into overtime), and Pierre-Paul blocked that other field goal. That's five games decided by unlikely circumstances.

Well that's on their offense and QB if that happened. If it got tipped by their WR, then that's on the WR. That happens. I don't see anything flukey by that. I saw the Jets game where Romo got picked. The pats won that game, and Garrett froze his own kicker, lol. That's just stupid.

JPP has done what he has been doing for us on special teams going back in his rookie year before the sacks and that's being a beast on special teams. He once again proved to do that when we needed him the most.

Stuff like that happens. That's why you practice these things in camp, be it from the defense taking turnovers to the house, where the whole defense runs to score, or simple things as putting your best guys on special teams in certain instances to get a big play.

That's just the Cowboys being the Cowboys, and hence the media keeps expecting them to stop being inconsistent and actually play up to their level. For me I expect that from the cowboys. I expect in big games, they lose as well.

1) Denver Broncos(The team is talented, make no mistake about that. Just I think their will be a little bit of transition with Peyton at QB and I don't see them relatively clicking right away. McGahee is a year older at running back and I can see him and that running game being wiped out because of Peyton and add guys like Thomas and Decker really needing to click with Peyton in season and I can see the offense somewhat struggling, especially on short down conversions. The defense I think is fine and they'll rack up the sacks but I still hold my skepticism on their run defense, in particular up front. I think Denver will win 9 games and could be right there for one of the WC spots but I don't think they will go and run over the AFC West like many predict.

2) San Diego Chargers(I just think this will be it for AJ Smith and Turner and this team will not unlock its potential until both are gone. Rivers will bounce back but taking away Vincent Jackson is not going to help and Gates can't be relied upon to stay healthy. I don't think Melvin Ingram will step in right away and be a sack master like some can see and felt heading into the draft and because of that, the Bolts D will still be gauged upon for more yards.

It pains me to put them here on the overrated list because for at least 2 or 3 years, I really thought the Bolts would represent the AFC at least once. However, I think I have lost all confidence in Turner to lead them and I think this will be his final year. This team is just so frustrating and disappointing and its a shame because they could win their division.

3) Atlanta Falcons(I usually have them every time as being the most overrated football team in the NFL but that's because they don't know how to win a playoff game to save their lifes, Matt Ryan stinks in these HUGE playoff games and that defense led by Mr. Overrated himself John Abraham usually don't do anything when they get punched in the mouth or when teams run upon them. Maybe Jerry can finally be that much needed DT who specializes in run stopping but I hold my reservations on this defense taking the "Next Step" where they can then compete with the beasts of the NFC.

Falcons should win their division but they won't run away with it. Panthers are just on a tier below at this point from them, Bucs will be better but will need 2 seasons to fully go after the crown and the Saints are just depleted with the penalties. If there's a year for Atlanta to make a statement in the NFC, it'd be now but I think they will eek out 10 if not 9 wins and will be unimpressive before having to try and overcome their inner demons come January.

Underrated:

1) Kansas City Chiefs(Here's my pick from 4th to 1st this year. I love keeping Romeo and having him fully control even more of the reigns from that defense or better yet the team. I am one of the very few Brady Quinn fans left on this earth and I think he can contribute more than Cassell so I can see Quinn being a good game manager esque type. Add the returns of Barry for that defense and Mr. Charles at RB and this team can unleash themselves 10 wins in a relatively wide open division IMHO.

2) New York Jets(I think they can pull off a 10 win season under their belts. Why? First off...I cannot stress upon how bad Schottenheimer was at calling the offense. Even if Sparano isn't even that great, I can't seriously see how he can be worse than what we have seen the past few years. Next, I think Sanchez will step up and be a very good QB(Not a superstar) and I think he won't be the hindrance of the squad. Of course this all depends on Wayne Hunter playing like a starting right tackle in the league which I hold my doubts on. I also think Tebow and his use will catch teams off guard in September and October...and then by then, I can see the Jets rolling more and more Sanchez esque playcalls so their plan is more fresh week by week and won't be exposed by opposing scouts.

Unless Revis holds out, I think the Jets defense will be stellar and while Coples might not rip off killer stats, I think he will be a much needed addition for the team and to put on pressure. Look for Maybin to have a huge 8-10 sack season, he's added on weight which has been his hugest problem(Along with not playing with hunger with BUF) and I can see him emerge as a monster this season.

Don't think they can take over the Pats for the division crown BUT I can see them easily nab the 5th seed in the AFC.

3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers(Now I don't see them making the playoffs BUT I think they can contend and get to .500 under Schiano. I just have a funny feeling this team will eek out wins despite some of the ugliest stats.....they have a favorable schedule last I checked and they added so many guys like a Nicks or Vin. Jackson. I am not high on Freeman but I do think he will be better than last season(Not as good as 2010). The Bucs defense should step up and be the leading force of the two sides as I think Gerald McCoy is due for a big year.

Maybe a 7-8 win team but compared to the disaster of last season, you will take that and run.

2) New York Jets(I think they can pull off a 10 win season under their belts. Why? First off...I cannot stress upon how bad Schottenheimer was at calling the offense. Even if Sparano isn't even that great, I can't seriously see how he can be worse than what we have seen the past few years. Next, I think Sanchez will step up and be a very good QB(Not a superstar) and I think he won't be the hindrance of the squad. Of course this all depends on Wayne Hunter playing like a starting right tackle in the league which I hold my doubts on. I also think Tebow and his use will catch teams off guard in September and October...and then by then, I can see the Jets rolling more and more Sanchez esque playcalls so their plan is more fresh week by week and won't be exposed by opposing scouts.

Unless Revis holds out, I think the Jets defense will be stellar and while Coples might not rip off killer stats, I think he will be a much needed addition for the team and to put on pressure. Look for Maybin to have a huge 8-10 sack season, he's added on weight which has been his hugest problem(Along with not playing with hunger with BUF) and I can see him emerge as a monster this season.

Don't think they can take over the Pats for the division crown BUT I can see them easily nab the 5th seed in the AFC.

I think the Jets maybe have gotten to the stage of being underrated at this point as well.

I agree with Schottenheimer going it will make it easier on Sanchez. I always felt he was trying to be complicated and conviluted for the sake of it despite how successful Sanchez could be running that offense. I do envision a better offensive performance from the Jets this year.

Defensively I think Wilkerson needs to build on his rookie year and a pass rusher needs to step up (be it Maybin, Coples) for the Jets to get to the postseason.

I think their biggest problem getting to a wildcard spot isn't the lack of progress made this off season (because they have made strides) but I just feel the Bills, if they can click, have jumped ahead of them. It will be interesting to see if they can start fast and give themselves some room for error towards the tail end of the season.

I think the Jets maybe have gotten to the stage of being underrated at this point as well.

I agree with Schottenheimer going it will make it easier on Sanchez. I always felt he was trying to be complicated and conviluted for the sake of it despite how successful Sanchez could be running that offense. I do envision a better offensive performance from the Jets this year.

Defensively I think Wilkerson needs to build on his rookie year and a pass rusher needs to step up (be it Maybin, Coples) for the Jets to get to the postseason.

I think their biggest problem getting to a wildcard spot isn't the lack of progress made this off season (because they have made strides) but I just feel the Bills, if they can click, have jumped ahead of them. It will be interesting to see if they can start fast and give themselves some room for error towards the tail end of the season.

Schotty is god awful and I feel really sorry for Bradford in that regard. I don't know how good Sparano will be but I've seen enough out of Brian to know he can be easily topped.

Oh and I forgot to add....if a RB steps up under Sparano(If its Greene or Powell or Ganaway or McKnight) you can add a win maybe to the Jets to give them 11. I am figuring its going to be an ordinary season for the RBs on the team but its really now or never for Shonn Greene and if I had to say someone erupts, its him. Nothing ridiculously crazy but a big step up in what is a contract year for him. Greene might benefit off of Sparano's "Ground and Pound" philosophy and like with what we saw with Tebow/McGahee, Tebow could really open up the running game with teams paying attention to Tebow at QB or even at FB.

Maybe Keller gets used properly since Sparano loves his TEs but I'll wait and see for that. Hill will need some transition for his route running and Holmes will be great one game and awful the next so the passing game will be decent but I think Sanchez can make it work as it'll be a run first team.

I agree with you though....week 17 Jets@Bills WILL be flexed and I see both teams heading into that game at 9-6 and I see the Jets eek it out, just because they've been around this big game presence before and its a new type of animal for Buffalo, even if its at Ralph Wilson.

Location: "Everybody sounds like Meryl Streep with a gun to their head."

Posts: 467

Reputation: 179722

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rosebud

The giants are the luckiest team ever. In any sport.

And thank you for proving my point. You think the Giants were the best team in football last year and that they're going to be next year too simply because they got hot at the right time and won a superbowl. You're downplaying any sort of luck that was involved because that would mean your team wasn't the most fantastic team evarr.

Reality: You made the playoffs last year by a JPP finger tip. Your team got insanely lucky a couple of times and without quite a few things breaking your way, you don't even make the playoffs.

Contrary to your homer opinion, the Giants weren't a great team last year. They had a negative point differential. You allowed more points than you scored. They were barely top 10 in yardage and scoring offense. Your defense was 25th in yards allowed and points allowed. FootballOutsiders DVOA had the Giants ranked as the 12th best team in the NFL.

You and all the other Giants fans act like your team is so super fantastic when in reality, you were lucky to even make the playoffs and then you got hot. You weren't even the best team in your division last year. And because of the way you all perceive your team, they're overrated.

Your offensive line blows. You lost Brandon Jacobs and Mario Manningham. Your running game is mediocre at best, David Wilson isn't ready for the big leagues. He dances too much and his running style isn't disciplined enough to cut it against NFL defenses. Plus, he has fumble problems.

Your linebackers are awful. Rolle is one of the worst starting defensive backs in the league. Terrell Thomas is coming off of a torn ACL and he wasn't that fast/explosive to begin with. Prince Amukamara was beaten like a red headed step child last season because he plays flat footed and he lacks the smooth transition required to just flip his hips and run with receivers down the sideline.

The Giants haven't gotten any better this offseason and they weren't all that fantastic to begin with. Meanwhile, the Cowboys (who the Giants edged out by JPP's finger tip) have gotten MUCH better. And the Eagles who have beaten the Giants 7 of the past 8 times have gotten much better as well.

The Giants won't even make the playoffs this year. Quote me. The Eagles and Cowboys are both better teams.

Location: "Everybody sounds like Meryl Streep with a gun to their head."

Posts: 467

Reputation: 179722

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bengalsrocket

I agree with him that the Giants got lucky. but I think every team who wins the Superbowl got lucky :P

THANK YOU! I have no idea why Giants fans can't admit they got lucky as ****. They're the only team to EVER win a superbowl with a negative point differential. They made the playoffs by one game. They wouldn't have even made the playoffs if the refs correctly called Victor Cruz's fumble or if JPP didn't tip a Cowboy's field goal. Or Ahmad Bradshaw's "forward progress" in the NFC Championship game. And hell, just remember what Kyle Williams did. Check-mothafuckin'-mate right there with Kyle Williams. I'd like to get lucky every year if it meant winning the superbowl.

What flukey plays are you referring to? They didn't make it because of their horrible secondary and they stink in big games.

Miles Austin losing the ball in the lights... about as flukey as it gets. A incredibly easy wide-open catch that would have resulted in the GMen missing the playoffs.

I'm a pseudo-Giant fan but that play was just ridiculous.

EDIT: And the Garrett timeout gaffe. And the insane interception spree Romo went on unnecessarily against the Jets (would have won had they just ran the damn ball and made Sanchez try to beat them).

They aren't a bad team - they just do incredibly stupid things way more than the other good teams. Because they are professionals I'll give them the benefit of the doubt to correct at least some of those idiotic mistakes this upcoming season. Same with SD who lost a game on a fumbled kneel down AHAHAHHAHAHAH.

And Dallas finally has a real running game assuming Murray can stay healthy. And they added an awesome CB.

Location: "Everybody sounds like Meryl Streep with a gun to their head."

Posts: 467

Reputation: 179722

Quote:

Originally Posted by gpngc

Eh. The Packers were the second best team in football at the start of the playoffs last year.

The Packers' record didn't reflect how good they actually were. They had a really good point differential and if I'm remembering correctly, they never lost a game by more than a touchdown. That team is a prime example of a team that was better than their record said they were.

towards the end of the 2010 season, if someone were to tell me the packers were gonna win the SB, i might have questioned it a bit. last 7 weeks of the season they went 4-3. after that week 17 win against the bears, they caught fire and never looked back.

the last 8 weeks of the 2011 season the Giants went 3-5. got it going in the playoffs and never looked back. took two dropped punts :(((( to make it but still they made plays when they had to and made them at the right time.

Overrated: Packer
Packers, they are still a good team and a playoff team(that has a SB shot if they get hot) but not a lock for the division or deep playoff run. Defense should improve but relying on rookies in Perry and Worthy is still very risky, Collins is perma gone so safeties are questions after last year though Burnett has talent and maybe just needs more experience, pass rush still a question even with the rookies plus the great Matthews and Raji, Shields and Hawk need to pick up their games big time after last years bad performances, Tramon still has nerve damage, and the turnovers forced can dry up in some games(as seen in divisional game and Chief game).

Rodgers will have a good year (2009/2010 esque) but not 2011 ridiculousness. I also think they will be facing much more difficult defenses in Houston, San Fran, healthy Lions D twice, Giants(with Osi/JPP/Tuck) and even the Bears will be improved plus a possible shootout with Saints depending on Brees and Seattle secondary in Seattle is a challenge for Green Bay. Packers played 4 games against teams missing their top pass rusher last year and 4 different games against teams without their top corner. Everyone needs to bring their A game this time around against Green Bay because Falcons without Abraham, Giants D in regular season, injured Lions secondary twice, Saints without Will Smith, Chargers without Phillips and Cason and Bears twice(once no Cutler/Forte) did not last year. And those were the biggest challengers to Green Bay and everyone came up with duds.

All your explanation did really was say why they won't go 15-1 again. Very few expect a repeat of that. Heck many, myself included, wouldn't be at all surprised if the Bears or Lions won the division. However, the Packers and Patriots are still the clear cut best two teams in the league going into this year. They're on a tier of their own, so I don't see how either can be overrated.

And thank you for proving my point. You think the Giants were the best team in football last year and that they're going to be next year too simply because they got hot at the right time and won a superbowl. You're downplaying any sort of luck that was involved because that would mean your team wasn't the most fantastic team evarr.

Reality: You made the playoffs last year by a JPP finger tip. Your team got insanely lucky a couple of times and without quite a few things breaking your way, you don't even make the playoffs.

Contrary to your homer opinion, the Giants weren't a great team last year. They had a negative point differential. You allowed more points than you scored. They were barely top 10 in yardage and scoring offense. Your defense was 25th in yards allowed and points allowed. FootballOutsiders DVOA had the Giants ranked as the 12th best team in the NFL.

You and all the other Giants fans act like your team is so super fantastic when in reality, you were lucky to even make the playoffs and then you got hot. You weren't even the best team in your division last year. And because of the way you all perceive your team, they're overrated.

Your offensive line blows. You lost Brandon Jacobs and Mario Manningham. Your running game is mediocre at best, David Wilson isn't ready for the big leagues. He dances too much and his running style isn't disciplined enough to cut it against NFL defenses. Plus, he has fumble problems.

Your linebackers are awful. Rolle is one of the worst starting defensive backs in the league. Terrell Thomas is coming off of a torn ACL and he wasn't that fast/explosive to begin with. Prince Amukamara was beaten like a red headed step child last season because he plays flat footed and he lacks the smooth transition required to just flip his hips and run with receivers down the sideline.

The Giants haven't gotten any better this offseason and they weren't all that fantastic to begin with. Meanwhile, the Cowboys (who the Giants edged out by JPP's finger tip) have gotten MUCH better. And the Eagles who have beaten the Giants 7 of the past 8 times have gotten much better as well.

The Giants won't even make the playoffs this year. Quote me. The Eagles and Cowboys are both better teams.

Miles Austin losing the ball in the lights... about as flukey as it gets. A incredibly easy wide-open catch that would have resulted in the GMen missing the playoffs.

I'm a pseudo-Giant fan but that play was just ridiculous.

EDIT: And the Garrett timeout gaffe. And the insane interception spree Romo went on unnecessarily against the Jets (would have won had they just ran the damn ball and made Sanchez try to beat them).

They aren't a bad team - they just do incredibly stupid things way more than the other good teams. Because they are professionals I'll give them the benefit of the doubt to correct at least some of those idiotic mistakes this upcoming season. Same with SD who lost a game on a fumbled kneel down AHAHAHHAHAHAH.

And Dallas finally has a real running game assuming Murray can stay healthy. And they added an awesome CB.

If you believe he lost it in the lights. Personally, I don't. I think he was protecting his QB, which is fine. I think Romo over threw a WR who had a hurt Hammy. In all my days of watching football I haven't heard of a WR getting led to the ball losing the ball in lights. So I am VERY skeptical of that.

But again, that's Romo's luck or Dallas's luck. Missing a wide open pass to probably end the game. But I am not sure if I buy that losing it in the lights BS. He was wide open, why did he have to throw it so far like that. But whatever that's their team for you, lights no lights, stuff seems to happen to them.

That's why the media seems to wait for their stupid stuff to go away and for them to be the team they want them to be. But that stuff doesn't happen. It's like the team isn 't mentally tough and doesn't show up in big games. So that's why I don't credit flukey plays as a reason. It's not like this is some mentally tough, extremely consistent team that goes about their business in a robotic fashion disposing of opponents. If they did that and this all happened I agree. They are known for stuff like this happening. Media and fans are still wondering, maybe this is the year they get their head of their butt and something good may happen.